JLP caretaker files injunction seeking to block removal

The losing candidate in the 2011 general election in North West St Ann, Othneil Lawrence, has filed an injunction seeking to prevent his removal as caretaker for the constituency.

The suit was filed in the Supreme Court today against Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) Leader, Andrew Holness, and its general secretary, Horace Chang.

Lawrence is seeking the award of general and aggravated damages against the men.

Lawrence, who is represented by attorney, Hugh Wildman, is accusing the men of flouting the party’s constitution by attempting to remove him without a vote by the delegates.

He is claiming that he is being victimised because of his support for Audley Shaw’s losing attempt to replace Holness as party leader.

Lawrence was reportedly among a number of losing candidates from the 2011 general election who were summoned to the JLP's Belmont Road headquarters two Thursdays ago and given the boot.

But late last week, the former Member of Parliament told The Sunday Gleaner that he is going nowhere unless he is voted out by the delegates in the constituency.

He said in a subsequent letter, General Secretary Horace Chang cited reports from the Operations Committee of the JLP, and meetings with different party arms within the constituency as the reasons for removing him.

Chang reportedly stated in the letter that based on these meetings it was concluded that the party needs new leadership to overtake the People's National Party's candidate Dr Dayton Campbell.